Words / B2

dee-FROST/ˌdiːˈfrɒst/

To defrost is to remove ice from a freezer or windscreen, or to thaw frozen food: defrost the freezer; defrost overnight. Thaw is the close food twin; de-ice is the windscreen twin. Defrost the sample in the food-science practical for the stated time. Mix-up: defrost vs frost (already related); deforest; do not write defrost for a cooker advert with no time or mass.

Meaning

To remove ice from a freezer or windscreen, or to thaw frozen food.

Examples

• “Defrost the sample in the food-science practical for the stated time, not a cooker advert.”
• “Defrost the windscreen before the journey, the driving source said, which is the de-ice sense.”

Good to know

defrost the freezer / windscreen / chicken; leave to defrost. Close: thaw / de-ice. Trap: deforest / frost. Food science, H&S, and DT. Remove ice, or thaw food — state the time.

Near in meaning

thaw, de-ice, unfreeze

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